Why I Serve: Officer Edward Martinez of Fort Worth Police Department
In honor of National Police Week, meet one of the men protecting our streets.
My name is Officer Edward Martinez. I am a Fort Worth police officer. I have been a police officer for 14 years, but it sure has not felt like it’s been that long. I still enjoy being a police officer as much as I did when I started.
I decided I wanted to be a police officer because I felt this job would be fun and exciting, never the same thing. And I get to carry a gun. Who doesn’t like that? As it turns out it has been fun, exciting and I do get to carry a gun. It’s fun getting to chase a criminal and catch them. Knowing they did not get away and now are going to pay for the crime they committed is what makes police work fun.
I made the right decision to become a police officer. I get to meet different people daily, I get to put criminals in jail and I get to help out someone that needs help. And I get to carry a gun.
I enjoy that on each call I go on I meet different types of people. We, as officers, deal with good law-abiding citizens and we then deal with the criminals that don’t abide by the law. I enjoy meeting everyone, knowing I made a difference in their life. The criminals, well, usually they aren’t happy because they are going to jail or getting citations. The law-abiding citizens, they on the other hand are usually happy knowing I helped them with whatever issue they called about.
Another reason I enjoy being a police officer is because I enjoy making a difference. I like that I can help someone in the time of need if that means fixing a flat or putting someone in jail because they hurt someone. When I put someone in jail for assaulting someone it’s a good feeling knowing that the victim will now be safe, now that the offender is in jail.
I also like being a police officer because when I help a stranded motorist on the freeway it’s a good feeling knowing the citizen will make it home safely to their family.
I do this job to the best of my ability knowing that I will make a difference in someone’s life every day. I put on my uniform and leave my home not knowing what type of day I will have and that makes it exciting. I do know that I will do my best to keep everyone I meet safe and I will do whatever I can to help those that need assistance.
Being a police officer has been fun and exciting, and 14 years later I still enjoy the work. I will say I made the right decision to become a police officer. I get to meet different people daily, I get to put criminals in jail and I get to help out someone that needs help. And I get to carry a gun.
